2015 Retalhuleu, Guatemala

Feb 17, 2015

Day 1: The Journey Begins

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

The day started actually last night, with the volunteers gathering at San Francisco Airport beginning around 8:30 p.m.. Renewing those bonds with friends from other missions. Telling stories. Catching up. ... Read More »

Feb 18, 2015

Day 2 – Open for Business

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

Day 2 started bright and early with 6:15 a.m. breakfast then onto the bus promptly at 7:00 a.m. and to the Hospital. We were off the bus and ready to get to work. The gravity of the need and the Read More »

Feb 19, 2015

Day 3 – First Day of Surgery

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

Today was the day that lives started to change. Again an early wakeup for many of us before dawn to catch a bit of WIFI in one location at the Hostel to catch up with friends and family and assure Read More »

Feb 19, 2015

El Hefe

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

The big boss “El Jefe” Head Nurse Kim Capps, RN from Longmont, CO, is the ultimate coordinator among the doctors, nurses and non-medical volunteers – she keeps us all hopping and moving towards the g... Read More »

Feb 20, 2015

Day 4 – 2nd Day of Surgery – After Surgery

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

There are two volcanoes overlooking Retalhuleu, as we looked out the window during morning rounds, we noticed that the smaller volcano had erupted. Actually, the “eruption” was more akin to a ... Read More »

Feb 21, 2015

Day 5 – Third Day of Surgery –Pre-Op & Rounds

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

This morning we paused at the bus to enjoy the sights and sounds of a Guatemala dawn. ROUNDS Before starting surgery in the morning, the surgeons check on their patients from the day before and give inst... Read More »

Feb 22, 2015

Day 6 – Fourth Day of Surgery – Keeping the Wheels Turning

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

This morning we were greeted with another volcanic “burp.” Behind the medical staff are non-medical volunteers who provide support roles: Mission Director – Tom Fox, Real Estate Broker, Pleasanton, C... Read More »

Feb 23, 2015

Day 7 – Sunday –Thank You!

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

Sunday was our day off. Taking a day of rest was good for all of us. As we enjoyed the amenities of the Hostel at which we were staying, the peacock put on a magnificent show. AMAZING LOCAL SUPPORT This Read More »

Feb 23, 2015

Day 8 – Transformations

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

Today we can start to show you some of the work that is being done. Below are before and after photos of some of the operations. Please note that the post-operation photos are taken either immediately aft... Read More »

Feb 24, 2015

Day 9 – Local Medical Staff

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

Again, we were greeted by a volcanic burp from the Santiagito Volcano. LOCAL MEDICAL SUPPORT This Rotaplast Mission has also depended on local nurses both in the OR and the PACU units for support.  Below ... Read More »

Feb 25, 2015

Day 9 – Thanks for the Quilts!

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

Every patient, young or old, is given a handmade blanket. So we must give a shout out and a thank you to Wrap-A-Smile by the International Quilters, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wells, Maine. The quilte... Read More »

Feb 26, 2015

Day 10 – Surgeries Done

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

The final official count is 121 procedures on 98 patients.  The teams had good reason to celebrate! Dr. Roy and his team Dr. Bridgett, Nurse Manuel & Nurse Margo Dr. Jitka’s team with Dr. Tim, D... Read More »

Feb 27, 2015

Day 11 – Final Clinic & Packing Up

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

Today was the final day in Retalhuleu, the surgeons did the rounds of yesterday’s patients and then the final clinic when the patients came back. This day makes all the hard work worth it. The smiles, th... Read More »

Feb 27, 2015

Day 12 – Goodbye & Thank You to Our Sponsors

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

We are back in Guatemala City today and tomorrow we leave for our homes. Today, we had lunch with the local Rotary Club that has provided such invaluable support, Club Rotario Guatemala de la Asuncion. Thi... Read More »

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